A HARD hitting campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug-driving has been launched by The Scottish Government and Police Scotland today.
And they have revealed that a record number of drivers were drink or drug-driving last year, including 55 in Dumfries and Galloway.
They were caught between December 1 2023 and January 2 2024. Police Scotland is now warning offenders that anyone who drives with alcohol or drugs in their system this year, endangering themselves and others, risks being caught.
Officers are able to carry out immediate roadside drug testing using a simple swab, with almost 50 per cent of tests showing up positive.
Meanwhile, the most recent figures available, from 2022, show that drink-driving is estimated to have resulted in 30 deaths and a further 280 injuries.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance was joined by Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan to emphasise the potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug-driving – above.
She said: “Driving with drink or drugs in your system destroys lives. As well as those whose loved ones are killed or seriously injured as a result of a driver under the influence; drivers themselves face losing their licence and their job, and could be faced with hefty fines. The impact on their own families can be huge.
“It’s simply not worth the risk – leave the car at home if you are planning a night out.”
Police Scotland is urging people to make transport plans before heading out to festivities.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: “Our officers will be working hard to relentlessly target drivers who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs.
“It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol or drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.”
The campaign aims to remind people that you can still be unfit to drive the morning after drinking or taking drugs, and some drugs can remain in your system for days.
Those caught may face a range of penalties, including a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5000, penalty points on their licence and up to six months in prison.
For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and X (@roadsafetyscot) pages.
